To the Airport (1)

~~Gonzalez Residence~~

*~Garret's Bedroom~*

Peony quietly entered Garret's room, finding him peacefully asleep amidst the soft sounds of his breath and clinking medicine bottles.

Removing the once fancy diamond bracelet from her wrist, it now felt more like a heavy reminder of the worst day ever. What was once a symbol of wealth in the Gonzalez home had become a painful reminder of her entrapment in this family. The idea of being tied to someone she despised was beyond anything she had imagined.

Seeking comfort, she stepped into the shower, hoping the water would wash away not just the physical residue but also the emotional weight of the day's unwelcome events.

As the water flowed, Peony thought about the chaos in her life – her husband's betrayal, Mr. Gonzalez's threats, and the disastrous dinner revealing their honeymoon to everyone. She scrubbed away every trace of her husband's touch, as if cleansing herself from the pain he caused. Each tear mixed with the water felt like a silent release of built-up frustration.

After the shower, she sat in a chair, eyes refusing to close. The room held the heaviness of her unspoken emotions, a storm inside her that just wouldn't calm down.

That night she didn't rest.

~~~~~

The following morning arrived, and well before Garret awoke, Peony was ready. She adorned herself, skillfully concealing signs of fatigue with makeup that bestowed upon her the appearance of a newlywed.

With a heavy heart, she crafted a text to her mother, weaving a web of lies about an overseas job opportunity.

The decision to remain entangled within the Gonzalez family, despite her vehement reluctance, burdened Peony. She felt a sense of suppression, as if the walls of her existence were closing in.

As Garret stirred, his first question cut through the air, "Where did you sleep last night?"

"Beside you. Where else would I sleep?" Her voice carried a honeyed tone, concealing the bitterness within.

Garret remarked, "I didn't feel someone sleeping beside me."

"How could I not sleep beside you? You're my dear husband. You were fast asleep beside me; that's why you didn't notice. Don't dwell on it. We have a flight to catch today," she explained, hoping to quell any further probing.

Reluctantly, Garret ceased his inquiries and prepared for the day.

Descending the staircase, both carried their belongings, embarking on their new journey. Mrs. Gonzalez, in a plastic display of affection, embraced Garret with an extra touch of sweetness. "Oh, my dear son, Mom will miss you."

Peony interjected, "And not me?"

Garret smiled as he observed Peony bonding with his family. Relief washed over him, reassured that Peony had returned to her former self. In that moment, the fear of her departure seemed distant; he believed she would never leave him.

A cunning smile graced Mrs. Gonzalez's lips. "Of course, I will miss you both! Forever." Her happiness was palpable, anticipating their departure.

Concern flashed in Peony's eyes hearing the last bit. "What do you mean by forever?"

"Oh, Peony, when will you stop being so worried? I mean it's like it will be forever being apart from you two when you're abroad.", Mrs. Gonzalez smiles.

"Mom, don't worry we will video call you from time to time.", Garret assures her.

"I know my dear son, thinks about me so much. But my son, I'm your mother, I will worry right?", Showing off her maternal concern.

In the midst of this familial exchange, Mr. Gonzalez subtly signalled Peony, mouthing, "Keep up your act as the devoted wife."

Understanding which she continues her act, "Mother-in-law where is Mackerel? We are leaving and he is nowhere around?"

"Oh he? He went to the office to handle some urgent matters. Usually he only handles complicated matters. You won't understand that, dear Peony.", Mrs. Gonzalez boasts his son.

"When he solves the matters, ask him if he needs anything, his sister-in-law will bring it for him as a present. Tell him not to hesitate. Right father-in-law?", Peony now directs the conversation to Mr. Gonzalez.

"Yes, definitely my daughter-in-law.", He genuinely smiles at her. He thinks to himself, "Peony, you made the right decision to stay in our family."

Mr. Gonzalez and Mrs. Gonzalez bid them farewell, standing by the gleaming car as it waits.

*~ Inside the Car ~*

Garret's fingers close around her slender wrist, already tender from yesterday's painful encounter.

She breathes out, "What are you doing?"

His lips move soundlessly, "Why this concern for Mackerel all of a sudden?"

"Garret!" Her whispered protest carries urgency. Glancing at the family driver keeping a watchful eye up front, she softens her tone, "What do you mean? He is your brother. What do you think of me?"

"Still, your concern for him angers me. I want you think only about me," Garret asserts with heightened intensity.

Once, Peony would blush at the mere request to occupy her thoughts. She believed she was his exclusive treasure. Now, only a residue of disgust remains.

With a sugary tone, she retorts, "Are you jealous, Mr. Husband?" concealing her true emotions behind a veneer of playfulness.

"No, I'm not." He releases her wrist, savouring the moment when she acknowledges him as her husband, a fleeting triumph reflected in his eyes.

In the midst of a desolate landscape, the driver halts the car.

"Sir, Madam, I need to go, nature's call," the driver signals discreetly with his little finger.

Garret nods, granting him permission to step away.

Peony, barely awake, fights off the urge to succumb to sleep with Garret beside her.

The car, now deserted, sparks a mischievous idea in Garret's mind.

He casually drapes his arm around Peony.

"What...what are you doing?" Peony shivers, a hint of apprehension in her voice.

"Well, close your eyes, and you'll see," Garret smirks, his demeanour carrying a mischievous edge.

Peony hesitates, dreading the prospect of his touch. However, she knows she can't evade forever. Once they reach the airport and depart for France, it will all be over.

Unable to conjure an alternative, she reluctantly closes her eyes.

He delicately touches her waist, intertwining her hands with his and leaning against her in the backseat.

Meanwhile, a very feeble sound echoes, a mysterious ticking emanating from the depths of the car - unknowingly to them.

The timer ticking in seconds:

15:00

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14:59

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14:58

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14:57

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14:30

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14:29

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14:28

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~ to be continued